ROYSTON Town Youth under-nines Hearts won the Crow League Cup Shield on Saturday in sweltering heat.

They were accompanied at the finals by the Diamonds who had also progressed to the finals after their success in the preliminary rounds last month.

Both teams faced tough opposition in the group stages, with Hearts being narrowly defeated in their first two games but then gave an excellent performance in their third game, putting six goals past FC Comets and not conceding.

Goals came from Adam Taylor (two), Euan Rees, Patrick Tyrell and Louis Harward (two). Diamonds also lost their first two games and then drew their third with both their goals coming from Willem Lowers. These results placed the teams third and fourth respectively in their tables, qualifying them to compete for the Crow League Shield.

The quarter finals got underway with Hearts playing Bedwell Lions and Diamonds facing FC Comets. Hearts came out 1-0 winners with a fine strike from Louis Harward while Diamonds also won their quarter final with a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Thomas Allen goal.

Hearts then faced Shefford Saints in their semi final and despite going a goal down in the first half, fought back and an own goal brought the equaliser to see the match go to extra time. With minutes remaining, a fine pass from Alex Little saw Harward fire home the winner, giving Hearts their place in the final. Unfortunately, and despite some superb goalkeeping from George Turner, Diamonds were narrowly defeated in their semi final match 1-0.

The final got underway against Welwyn Garden City and both teams were now fatigued from their previous games and feeling the effects of the 26-degree heat. Hearts, however played the better football from start to finish and in the end a thunderous shot from Alex Little which deflected off a WGC defender to hit the back of the net settled the match.

Hearts came close to adding more but in the end a 1-0 victory proved to be enough. Hearts were the triumphant and worthy winners of the League Shield. Manager Darren Harward said after the tournament: “I’m extremely proud of the entire squad and it’s very rewarding to see the boys bringing a trophy back to Royston.”